An increase in government spending on debt-interest payments – which take up almost 1 in every 4 kwacha that the Government raises in domestic revenues - has squeezed spending on social services such as the public service pension fund

The threatened layoff of 4,700 workers by Mopani Copper Mines following a contractual dispute between the company and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) is reminiscent of the economic challenges which hit the Zambian economy in 2015 and led to massive job losses on the Copperbelt, including about 4,300 at Mopani.

In the recent stand-off between Mopani Mines and CEC, one is compelled to take sides. In picking a side, we carefully consider commercial sensibilities on the one hand and on the other hand, good business ethics underpinned by sound moral practices that take into consideration the operating business environment.

"Nifunako Nchito ba-Boss banga!" [I want a job, my Boss!] How often have you heard these or similar words? What do you think your response would be if someone walked up to you right now and asked you for a job? Do you think you would be able to help them get a job?